First bins, now buses

Bus services halved days into new contract

Stagecoach took over many local bus services from Arriva on 18 December. Expectations were high and the transfer went smoothly. What a shock to learn just days later that Stagecoach are short of drivers and bus services are being cut.

Popular, well used services are being cut, such as the 91 that serves Goldsworth Park and Knaphill which is reduced to 3 buses an hour and hourly in the evening. Services covering Kingfield, Westfield and St John's will have half of their previous services.

"Passengers now face long waits in the cold, more crowded buses and less capacity for wheelchair users and parents and carers travelling with buggies" said Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Liberal Democrat Group Leader on Woking Council and a Goldsworth Park councillor.

"If passengers are heading into Woking they then face further delays from the traffic chaos into and out of the town" continued Cllr Barker.

This is a kick in the teeth for those who rely on the bus service and those who are trying to do the right thing and leave their cars at home.

At a time when people are being encouraged to use buses Stagecoach's failure to offer the service they have committed to provide is beyond disappointing.

"We understand that a lack of drivers is the problem, the same issue affecting waste collections in Woking" said Cllr Barker.